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Biesanz Beach: A Tranquil Cove in Manuel Antonio

Discover Biesanz Beach, a hidden gem in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, offering tranquil waters, wildlife encounters, and a serene escape.

★★★★★4.4 (655)

Biesanz Beach, nestled between Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park, offers a serene escape with calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Accessible via a short jungle trail, this hidden gem is known for its relaxed atmosphere and abundant wildlife sightings.

Plan your visit

A brief summary to Biesanz Beach

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

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Quepos, Puntarenas Province, CR
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Biesanz Beach.

Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.

Bring cash for parking, rentals, and snacks, as vendors may not accept credit cards.
Wear comfortable shoes for the jungle trail, as it can be steep and slippery.
Keep an eye out for wildlife along the trail and on the beach, but do not feed the animals.
Visit during low tide for more beach space.
Consider visiting in the morning to avoid crowds and secure a good spot.

Discover more about Biesanz Beach

Playa Biesanz, also known as Biesanz Beach, is a secluded cove located along the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, between the town of Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park. This tranquil beach offers a more relaxed and less crowded alternative to the more popular beaches in the area. The beach is named after Charles William Biesanz, an American anthropologist who studied local communities and fell in love with Costa Rica. The beach is accessible via a short, somewhat steep jungle trail, adding a touch of adventure to your visit. The trail begins near the Hotel Parador and leads down to the crescent-shaped cove. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the trail, including monkeys, sloths, lizards, and various bird species. Biesanz Beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding due to its calm and clear waters. Local vendors offer equipment rentals for these activities. The bay's protected nature makes it perfect for families with children and beginner water sports enthusiasts. You can also rent beach chairs and umbrellas for a more comfortable day. While the beach itself has a natural and secluded atmosphere, you can find restaurants and shops in nearby Manuel Antonio. There are also local vendors on the beach selling snacks and drinks. Remember to bring cash in Costa Rican colones or US dollars if you plan to purchase anything. Biesanz Beach has maintained its natural charm over the years, partly due to its somewhat hidden access, which has protected it from overdevelopment.

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    Getting There

    Walking

    From the main road near Hotel Parador, look for a break in the fence marking the entrance to the jungle trail. The trail is approximately 500 meters and takes about 5-10 minutes to descend. Be cautious as the path can be steep and rocky. Bathrooms are available along the way for a small fee (approximately ₡100).

    Public Transport

    From Quepos, take the local bus towards Manuel Antonio National Park. Ask the driver to drop you off near Playa Biesanz, close to Hotel Parador. The bus fare is approximately ₡250. From the drop-off point, follow the walking directions to the beach.

    Taxi/Ride-share

    From Quepos, a taxi or ride-share to the entrance of the Biesanz Beach trail will cost approximately ₡2000. From there, follow the walking directions to the beach.

    Driving

    From Manuel Antonio, head southeast on Route 618 towards Quepos. Look for signs for Playa Biesanz and turn left onto the gravel road leading to the beach. Limited parking is available on the roadside near the trail entrance. Expect to pay around ₡3000 for parking, though sometimes there's no attendant. An unofficial parking attendant may offer to watch your car for a tip.

    A brief summary to Biesanz Beach

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